Infant Crawling Assist Apparatus

ABSTRACT

Provided is a device for facilitating babies learning to crawl. The device includes a padded U-shaped frame and a set of wheels attached thereunder. The U-shaped frame includes a set of stabilizing rods at opposite ends to prevent a baby from falling to one side while using the device. The U-shaped frame also includes a strap assembly adapted to fasten around the baby&#39;s waist. The strap assembly comprises a fabric strap and a fastener to hold the baby in place on the padding disposed on the inner surface of the U-shaped frame. The wheels allow the baby to move across a surface while the baby simulates a crawling motion. The present device facilitates babies in developing coordination and balance while helping them to crawl.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. U.S. 61/805,302 filed on Mar. 26, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a crawling device for babies. More specifically, the present invention describes a padded U-shaped frame adapted to support an upper body of a baby, and a set of wheels attached thereunder, wherein the baby simulates crawling while strapped onto the device. The device further includes a set of stabilizing rods that is designed to prevent the baby from falling to one side while crawling, thereby providing an effective means of helping them develop coordination and balance.

The experience of crawling plays a critical role in the development of an infant's strength, balance, spinal alignment, visual-spatial skills, and socio-emotional development. Crawling is a baby's first method of getting around efficiently on his or her own. Most babies learn to crawl between the ages of seven and ten months. At this point, babies can hold their head up to look around, and their arm, leg, and back muscles are strong enough to keep them from falling on the floor when they get up on their hands and knees. In the traditional crawl, babies will start by learning to balance on their hands and knees, and then learn to move forward and backward by pushing off with their knees. At the same time, the baby will be strengthening the muscles that will soon enable them to walk.

Crawling engages the baby's whole body, which help develop motor skills, balance, muscle tone, and hand-eye coordination. When babies crawl, they have to use their arms and legs to lift the trunk of their body off of the floor. Accordingly, placing babies on their stomach helps develop the muscles that they need to crawl. While working against gravity to move about, they are strengthening the muscles in their trunk, shoulders, arms, legs, and hands. Holding their wrists in an extended position and bearing their body weight on their hands while crawling develops the arches in their hands, influencing fine motor skill development. The action of crawling also plays a role in forming the curves of the spine, which is important for future spinal function. Additionally, crawling influences the development of visual skills. When crawling from one place to another, babies frequently adjust their focus to look ahead and set their sights on a goal. These adjustments are good for training the eye muscles and improving binocular vision, which is the ability to use the eyes together as a team.

Efficient binocular vision is necessary for the future skills of reading and writing.

Crawling also engages development of a baby's brain. When a baby crawls in the traditional manner, the right and left sides of the brain and body must work cooperatively together, as the brain is required to process hearing, sight, spatial concepts, and movement all at the same time. This action is called cross-lateral integration, and it builds a foundation for skills that require motor coordination. Moreover, crawling is also important in developing a baby's emotions. As babies begin to move independently and make decisions while navigating, they learn to set goals. Setting goals and reaching them or failing at them affects positive and negative emotional development. Early emotional and skills development ultimately impacts a baby's sense of autonomy and confidence.

The present invention relates to a new and improved crawling device for babies designed to help babies develop their balance while learning to crawl. The crawling device of the present invention comprises a curved U-shaped frame and a set of wheels and stabilizing rods attached thereto. The U-shaped frame supports the trunk of a baby's body and allows the trunk to be lifted off of the floor while the baby is holding his or her body weight on their hands and knees. Use of the present invention increases a baby's sense of autonomy by allowing babies to crawl in a forward and backward direction without falling to one side and becoming injured. The present invention may be operated on smooth and flat surfaces where babies can crawl, such as carpet, hardwood floor, or tiles. Further, the adjustable strap assembly of the present invention secures the babies in place and holds them on top of the padding on the frame to prevent the babies from falling out of the device accidentally. The present invention is ideal for babies between the ages of seven and ten months, or babies of other ages learning to crawl.

The primary advantage of the present invention is not only its curved frame and a set of wheels attached thereto, but more specifically the wheel locking mechanism disposed on each of the wheels and a set of stabilizing rods. The wheel locking mechanism is adapted to lock the wheels in place to prevent the baby from moving in a certain direction while using the device. For instance, a caregiver may engage the wheel locking mechanism when the baby is reaching a flight of stairs. The outer surface of the U-shaped frame also includes a plurality of stabilizing rods, wherein at least one stabilizing rod is disposed at each end of the frame. The stabilizing rods prevent the device from tipping over, thereby keeping babies from falling and injuring themselves while using the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a crawling device for babies with a U-shaped frame adapted to support a baby's upper body above a surface while the baby supports his or her body weight on his or her hands and knees and moving in a crawling motion.

It is another object of the present invention is to provide a crawling device for babies with wheels to assist the babies to crawl across a surface in a forward or backward direction while strapped to the device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a crawling device for babies with wheel locking mechanisms to constrain the rotation of the wheels and ensure safety of the baby using the device.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a crawling device for babies with stabilizing rods to prevent the device from falling on its side while a baby is strapped to the device.

Still yet another object of the present invention to provide a crawling device for babies with an adjustable strap assembly to accommodate babies of various sizes while securing the babies on the device.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the present invention in use.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the present invention in use as a baby tips the device on its side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the crawling device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for a crawling device for assisting babies learning to crawl. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown perspective views of the crawling device of the present invention. The device comprises a curved U-shaped frame 21 composed of plastic or other suitable rigid materials. The U-shaped frame 21 has a smooth inner surface 35 that is coextensive with a smooth outer surface 26 with two terminal ends that are curved upward. The inner surface 35 and outer surface 26 are wide enough to support a baby's torso.

A layer of padding 22 is disposed on the inner surface 35 of the U-shaped frame 21, which provides cushioning and comfort to the baby when using the device. In a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the padding 22 comprises two juxtaposed sheets of fabric secured together and stuffed with pillow fillers. More specifically, two juxtaposed sheets of fabric are stitched together in a horizontally straight line of stiches starting in proximity of one of their edges. Thereafter, the sheets are parallelly stitched together in horizontal rows of stiches to provide a plurality of elongated pockets. Pillow fillers are then inserted into the pockets. The stitching is then repeated, but in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal rows of stiches to form a plurality of separate compartments contiguous to one another. Once the two sheets are sewn together, the padding 22 resembles a quilt-like array of separate compartments with pillow fillers enclosed within each separate compartment. Pillow fillers may comprise various synthetic or natural material. For instance, synthetic materials suitable for the present invention include polyester, which is non-allergic and washable. Foam may also be used, which is ideal for conforming and supporting the body. Natural materials suitable for the present invention include down and other feathers, as well as wool. These materials are ideal for prolonged use as the fibers are resistant to natural wear without losing shape.

The inner surface 35 of the U-shaped frame 21 device further includes an adjustable strap assembly 25 adapted to secure a baby on top of the padding 22 disposed on the inner surface 35 of the device. The strap assembly 25 includes a right side strap 29, a middle strap, 30, and a left side strap 31. The straps 29, 30, 31 comprise nylon or other durable cloth material. The right side strap 29 and the left side strap 31 are constructed to wrap around the baby's waist and the middle strap 30 is adapted to run between the baby's legs, such that the strap assembly forms a T-shape when fastened. Each of the strap ends comprise a fastening assembly 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the middle strap 30 includes a double female buckle adapter, and each strap end of strap 29 and 31 include a male end of a buckle. The right side strap 29 further includes a sliplock buckle which allows a caretaker to adjust the length of the strap 29 to accommodate babies of different sizes. In other embodiments, the fastening assembly 32 may comprise a hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, or the like.

The outer surface 26 of the U-shaped frame 21 includes a set of swivel wheels 27 attached thereto. In the preferred embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device comprises four swivel caster wheels 27, wherein each wheel comprises a wheel holder 33, a spindle 34, and a wheel lock mechanism 28. The wheels 27 may comprise rubber, plastic, nylon, aluminum, or stainless steel. The wheel holder 33 is integrally formed and has a spindle hole disposed thereabove. The spindle hole of the wheel holder 33 is adapted to receive the spindle 34, thereby swivellably connecting the wheel holder 33 and the spindle 34, which is affixed to the outer surface 26. The wheel holder 33 further includes an open lower adapted to receive a wheel 27 thereunder. The wheel holder 33 and the wheel 27 of the present invention are adapted to rotate about 360 degrees around the spindle 34, thereby allowing the baby to easily steer in any direction when moving in a forward or backward direction.

The wheel lock mechanism 28 may be engaged using a lever disposed on the wheel holder 33. More specifically, the lever is moved either upwardly or downwardly to engage a brake disposed against the wheel 27, which locks or unlocks the wheel 27 in place and prevents the wheel 27 from turning. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel 27 is adapted to lock in a position when the lever is pressed down, which presses the brake cam against the wheel 27, and unlock when the lever is lifted up. Each wheel 27 is individually lockable so that one or all of the wheels 27 may be locked into place.

The U-shaped frame 21 further includes a set of stabilizing rods 23 disposed on its outer surface 26 near the opposite ends of the frame 21. The stabilizing rods 23 comprise an upper end 36 and a lower end 37. The upper end 36 is affixed to the outer surface 26 by means of a fastener such as a screw, or may be integrally formed as a part of the frame 21. The rods 23 extend downward at an angle therefrom. The lower end 37 of the rod 23 is adapted to fit onto a tip 24. The tip 24 comprises a rubber or rubber-like material to provide grip and to protect the end 37 of the rod 23 during use. When in use, the tip 24 of the rod 23 makes contact with a surface as the device is tilted towards one direction and/or one or more wheels 27 are lifted from the surface. As such, the rod 23 is constructed hit the surface before the crawling device falls to one side, thereby preventing the crawling device of the present invention from being tipped over to one side. In this way, the rods 23 keeps a baby from falling while using the device.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there are shown various views of the present invention in use as operated by a baby 38. The U-shaped frame 21 is dimensionally adapted to receive a front portion of the torso of the baby 38 at the substantial midpoint of the U-shaped frame 21 between the two terminal ends thereon. The ends of the frame 21 extend slightly above the sides of the baby 38 to prevent the baby 38 from rolling or falling out of the frame 21. The padding 22 on the inner surface 35 of the U-shaped frame 21 provides comfort to the baby 38 as the frame 21 rests against the weight of the baby's torso. In this way, the crawling device allows the baby 38 to hold his or her hands in an extended position on a surface while the knees stay in contact with the surface.

The adjustable strap assembly 25 is adapted to fasten around the baby's waist. Accordingly, the right strap and the left strap 31 are positioned around the baby's waist, and the middle strap 30 is pulled from between the baby's legs, whereafter the straps are fastened near the baby's lower back and adjusted to fit the baby's waist. The adjustable strap assembly 25 holds the baby 38 in place, which allows the baby 38 to crawl while mounted on the crawling device of the present invention until the baby 38 develops better coordination and balance. As such, the present invention eliminates the need for caretakers to constantly hold up the baby's torso to prevent the baby from losing balance while crawling.

Each wheel 27 disposed on the outer surface 26 of the frame 21 is adapted to automatically align itself to the direction of travel as the baby 38 pushes off with his or her hands and knees. Additionally, the wheels 27 easily move the frame 21 in any direction without changing its orientation. The present invention may be operated on smooth and flat surfaces where babies can crawl, such as carpet, hardwood floor, or tiles. As an added safety feature, each of the wheels 27 of the present invention features a wheel locking mechanism 28 disposed on the wheel holder 33, which secures the wheels 27 in place and prevents further rotational movement. In this way, the baby 38 is prevented from moving towards a hazardous area. When a caretaker eliminates the hazard, the wheel locking mechanism 28 may be disengaged to enable the wheels 27 to resume turning and rotating about the spindle 34.

Because babies tend to wobble and lose balance when they initially began crawling, the crawling device of the present invention is designed to prevent the baby from falling while mounted to the frame 21. More specifically, the stabilizing rods 23 of the present invention are disposed near the opposite ends of the frame 21. The rods 23 are constructed such that they are extended outward at an angle towards a crawling surface. The rods 23 offer support and the maintenance of the center of gravity of the crawling device on a vertical plane, and determines the shifting of the center of gravity of the crawling device from one side to the other with consequent creation of a torque owing to the force of the weight of the crawling device and the baby 38 which would tip the crawling device over in the absence of the rods 23. As such, when the baby 38 loses his or her balance and accidentally tips to one side as depicted in FIG. 4, the rod 23 is capable of ensuring stability of the crawling device until the baby 38 shifts his or her weight to the opposite side or a caretaker tilts the device back in its starting position such that all of the wheels 27 rest on the crawling surface.

Overall, the present invention is designed to facilitate babies who are learning to crawl by providing a frame that is capable of supporting a baby's upper body while the baby is mounted on the frame in a crawling position. The wheels disposed on the outer surface of the frame further provides means for the baby to crawl with the device in any direction. The present invention is designed to allow babies to crawl independently without the hazard of falling and becoming injured. As such, the present invention provides a convenient and safe way to facilitate a baby learning to crawl.

In light of the present disclosure and its elements with regard to the prior art, it is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A crawling device adapted for young children, comprising: a frame having an inner surface, an outer surface, said outer surface having a lower region; at least one wheel attached to said outer surface lower region; and an adjustable strap assembly having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end comprises a fastener and said second end is affixed to said frame inner surface.
 2. The crawling device of claim 1, further comprising: a padded surface, said padded surface disposed on said frame inner surface.
 3. The crawling device of claim 2, wherein said padded surface comprises an array of separate compartments with padding material enclosed within each of said separate compartments.
 4. The crawling device of claim 1, further comprising: at least one stabilizing rod having a first and second ends, said least one stabilizing rod first end disposed on said frame outer surface.
 5. The crawling device of claim 4, further comprising: a tip adapted to fit onto said least one stabilizing rod second end.
 6. The crawling device of claim 5, wherein said tip comprises rubber material.
 7. The crawling device of claim 1, wherein said frame is U-shaped.
 8. The crawling device of claim 1, wherein said fastener comprises a buckle assembly.
 9. The crawling device of claim 1, wherein said least one wheel further comprises a wheel locking mechanism.
 10. The crawling device of claim 1, further comprising: a padded surface, said padded surface disposed on said frame inner surface; and at least one stabilizing rod disposed on said frame outer surface.
 11. The crawling device of claim 10, wherein said least one wheel further comprises a wheel locking mechanism. 